Displacement Ventilation

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GS1

Welcome

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Certificates of Completion for non-AIA members are available on request.

This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education.
As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an
approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any
method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or
product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be
addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.

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Slide 2

GS1 required first slide

Graphics Station, 11/12/2010
 Displacement System

• What is a displacement system

– “A displacement system is a ventilation system in which ventilation air

is provided to a space, with the air flow introduced at low levels within
the space, and utilizing naturally buoyant forces within the space to
create a vertical rise of the air throughout the space.”

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 Objectives of Presentation

• Objectives
– Understanding heat transfer in displacement systems
– Understanding air distribution in displacement systems
– Mixing and displacement system comparisons
– Advantages and disadvantages of displacement system
– Dynamics of displacement ventilation

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 Comfort

• When is a person comfortable?

ASHRAE Standard 55 defines comfort as the “condition of

the mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal
environment”.

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 ASHRAE Definition of Comfort
Conditions
ASHRAE Standard 55 defines comfort as:
• Temperature - Maintaining a temperature of 73-77°F
• Humidity - Relative humidity of 60% or less
• Air Velocity –Max. velocity in the occupied zone is 50 FPM
• Consideration for Occupant Metabolic Rate and Clothing
Insulation factors.
• Goal is for 80% or greater occupant satisfaction.

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 Psychrometrics

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 Air Distribution System

• What is the function of an air distribution system?

The air distribution system provides ventilation air and
assists in providing comfort to building occupants.

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 Heat Contributors

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 Calculating Air Volume

• Total heat gain generated in space is

determined
• Heat gain is converted to air flow
• Sens. Ht.
1.08xTemp.Rise
• Supply CFM based on population and code.
Typically around 15 cfm/person in Classrooms

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 Air Systems

• Mixing System
– Supply Air Temperature: 55F
– Return Air Temperature: 75F
– Space Air Velocity 50 FPM

• Displacement Air Distribution

– Supply Air Temperature: 68F
– Return Air Temperature: 85F
– Space Air Velocity < 20 FPM

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 Loads :
Conventional Overhead System
• In conventional system all
heat generated in room is
included in air flow
calculation
• In conventional system all
air is mixed throughout
space which maintains
equal temperature
throughout
• As a result systems are
larger in capacity

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 Loads :
Displacement Ventilation System
• Occupied zone floor to
5’ above floor
• Stratified zone above
occupied zone
• By allowing heat to rise
to ceiling heat gain in
occupied zone is
reduced reducing air
flow
• Key is to establish
comfort in occupied
zone

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 Energy Comparison

• Buildings with Displacement Ventilation systems

served by Rooftop units and High Performance
envelope typically result in Energy savings of 25%
to 30% better than Code.
• Hanover High School – 27.7% better
• Avery Elementary School – 31.9% better
• Wayland High School – 26.7% better

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 Energy Comparison

For additional energy savings approaching…“Net Zero”

Additional design measures are required, such as,
• “Super” insulated envelope and 3x glazing or better.
• Geothermal, central plant heat pump chiller
• PV and renewable energy generation.

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 Life Cycle Cost Impact

• Reduced Maintenance…due to Simplified Design and

Controls
• Fewer Filter changes
• No Condensate in Building
• Reduced quantity of valves
• VAV terminals not required for Classroom systems
• Typically a savings of 30% or greater
• Good fit for Schools with low annual operations and
maintenance budgets.

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 Typical Supply System

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 Typical Supply System

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 Typical Air Handling Unit

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 Air Flow Characteristics

• 2-4 deg F differential

supply air to space
• Supply air rises when
heat source is contacted
• Displaces room air
upward
• Air rises with pollutants
to ceiling
• Air returns at ceiling back
to air handling unit

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 Displacement Systems
Advantages
• excellent contaminant removal
• very low noise levels
• very low air velocity
• low moisture levels
• reduced cooling loads
• reduced initial cost
• Reduced maintenance costs
• simplified temperature controls
• high ventilation effectiveness
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Disadvantages
• need for additional equipment
(radiation heating)
• not applicable below 9’ ceiling
• no cooling temperature set point
controls (as applied in MA-CHPs
project)
• Where code requires high air
changes, locker rooms,
healthcare operating rooms, etc.
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 Cost Comparisons

• Conv. CUV with AC=$32/Sq. Ft.

• Fan Coil with Central Vent.=$38/Sq.Ft.
• Induction with DOA=$36/Sq.Ft.
• Displacement with Support Area AC=$28/Sq. Ft.

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 Project List
• Completed Projects
– Bourne Elementary School
– Boston Renaissance Charter School
– Lincoln Elementary School
– Beverly High School

• Projects in Design and/or Under Construction

- Carlisle Public School Addition
- Foxborough Regional Charter School
- Wayland High School
- Rockland Middle School
- Tahanto Regional Middle & High School (Boylston, MA)
- Avery Elementary School (Dedham, MA)
- Freeman Centennial School (Norfolk, MA)
- Sutton High and Middle School

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 Bourne Elementary School

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 Boston Renaissance Center

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 Boston Renaissance Center

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 Questions and
Discussions

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